Dmitry Kugryshev (#18) and Dmitri Kulikov (#3) during a WJC Game (Photo: allhockey.ru)

Today we can say for sure that the first overseas season in the career of one of the most talented CSKA graduated Dmitry Kugryshev (Washington Capitals) worked out pretty well. The forward is one of the key players of his team, scoring for Quebec 74 (34+40) points. But even if heís far from home and plays for the Remparts, Kugryshev didnít forgot his home town club. This and more topics arisen in this interview for the CSKA press office.

Dmitri, what can you say about your first season overseas?

It was great. The only bad thing was the outcome of the WJC in Canada, where we could catch the bronze only. I think that we havenít had enough luck in the game against the hosts. But generally speaking, I am satisfied.

What have you learned in North America, where they play a whole different kind of hockey?

Going through Canadian junior leagues means earning a lot of experience. My aim is to play in the NHL, this is why I left for America. Small rinks force you to think faster, build up speed. They play really hard in the AHL.

The language barrier was a factor for you? Your English improved?

Yes, a lot.

Maybe it would be useful to study French too, since Quebec is a francophone city?

(laughs) I know a few phrases only.

Did you follow CSKA in the last season?

Of course! Itís my home team, after all. Iím always anxious for the results and for the transfers.

Dmitri, surely you know that in the KHL Draft, CSKA drafted with the first overall pick Mikhail Pashnin, with whom you played in a number of international competitions. What can you tell us about him?

Misha is a good blue liner with a solid shot. In Canada he played paired with Maxim Goncharov (Phoenix Coyotes) and Iíd say that they cooperated well. In the last season Misha arisen as one of Mechel defenseís leaders and thus I hope that he will become an important player for CSKA.

What are your plans for the summer?

Iím still resting as recently I underwent another shoulder surgery. Soon theyíll remove the stitches and Iíll attend some rehab cycles. On July, 12th Iíll show up in Washington for the training camp, and when Iíll be back in Moscow Iíll independently train with CSKA.